Draft riots paralyze New York City

7/13/1863

When Federal officials began using the Enrollment Act to draft men on July 13, 1863, riots erupted in New York City. In this urgent letter, Maj. Gen. John E. Wool requests reinforcements to restore the peace. More than 5,000 troops were dispatched from Gettysburg. Nevertheless, an estimated 20,000 rioters ruled the city for 4 days, and more than 105 people died.